17
But we'll see if that's true! Let's see what will happen when it's time for them to die!
18
If the righteous really are God's children, God will save them from their enemies.
19
So let's put them to the test. We'll be cruel to them, and torment them; then we'll find out how calm and reasonable they are! We'll find out just how much they can stand!
20
We'll condemn them to a shameful death. After all, they say that God will protect them."
21
That is how evil people think, but they are wrong. They are blinded by their own wickedness.
22
They have never known God's secrets, never hoped for the rewards of a holy and blameless life.
23
When God created us, he did not intend for us to die; he made us like himself. 1
24
It was the Devil's jealousy that brought death into the world, and those who belong to the Devil are the ones who will die.